Center for Arabic Language and Eastern Studies

To decide to study at CALES in Yemen is a decision you will not regret. At the heart of the Arabian peninsula and boasting a rich blend of Yemeni tradition and tribal culture, Sana'a is considered one of the best Cities in which to study Arabic. With a local dialect the closest anywhere to Modern Standard Arabic (Fussha), and a population eager to talk to students living in their community, you will be amazed at how fast you can develop your language skills and learn about Arabic culture. The Cales school is situated in the heart of the old city of Sana'a. Established over a decade ago, the school is proudly integrated into the old city and students feel very much apart of that community while studying here in Yemen. Whether coming to Yemen as a beginner or to take advanced Grammar and calligraphy classes, the CALES School caters to all levels of Arabic and desired learning styles. Many students choose to take advantage of the private tuition available here at CALES, while others find more benefit in a group learning environment. The options for learning are entirely yours and limited only by the amount of study you have the energy for. A great variety of teachers are available for both male and female students of all ages and abilities, and the school hosts weekly discussions on a variety of issues at which the students are invited to participate in or observe as they wish.

My wife and I have been students at CALES (Center for the Arabic Language and Eastern Studies) for just over four months now and we have thoroughly enjoyed the learning experience here. Our teachers have demonstrated sound knowledge of the language and good grasp of teaching methodology. The staff has been extremely helpful and very accommodating. Life in Yemen is very different from life in the West. (We come from Canada.) It took us time to get adjusted to the food, the markets, etc. We considered all of this as another learning experience, one that we will keep with us for the rest of our lives. The people in our neighbourhood have in general been very helpful which has helped to make our stay here more enjoyable. The media tells us that Yemen is not a safe place to be. The time we have spent here contradicts this. Sana`a is quite safe as are other parts of Yemen. Feel free to travel around the country to take in some of Yemen`s treasured history when you come here!

I have been a student of Arabic at the Center of Arabic Language and Eastern Studies (CALES) of the University of Science and Technology since November 11, 2008. Overall, I am planning to stay until May. Being a doctoral student at the University of Bielefeld, Germany, my knowledge of Arabic is already advanced and I therefore require high quality teaching. I can say that I am completely satisfied with the teaching abilities and the thorough knowledge of Arabic grammar of my teacher, who always comes to class well prepared and dedicated to catering to my specific needs. In my case, this means adapting to the research questions of my PhD by reading, translating and speaking about texts related to my topic in combination with grammar lessons designed to enhance my reading and writing capabilities as well as lessons in the Yemeni dialect in order to improve my listening and oral communication skills. I consider myself lucky to be at CALES, where not only my teacher, but its director (Jameel al-Bazili) as well as his assistant and the whole staff seems to be dedicated to facilitating my research and to providing any assistance possible. Every time I have had a specific question or have asked for a special service, it was catered to immediately. Apart from the high quality of the training and assistance I receive, CALES has also quickly become a home I feel very comfortable in. The rooms are well equipped and clean and so are our shared kitchen and the bathrooms. I moreover enjoy the weekly activities that CALES offered as a fun and interesting alternative to my daily research and study. Last but not least, CALES is definitely situated perfectly in the heart of the Old City with its beautiful buildings and the hustle and bustle of Sanaani life, where practicing your Arabic becomes a joyful endeavour in the daily interaction with the friendly and welcoming, yet never obtrusive Yemenis. I therefore highly recommend studying at CALES, you will be perfectly satisfied!